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Author Notes: Apples are among my very favorite foods, and I love them as the sweet, crisp edge in an otherwise savory dish -- the combo here allows the spices to really pop. This lovely, simple salad works served warm, just after the lentils are cooked, or at room temperature -- let the lentils cool in the fridge or on the counter before mixing in the apples and lemon juice. - Meister

Serves 4

1tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1teaspoon ground black pepper

1teaspoon ground cumin

1teaspoon ground coriander

1/8teaspoon cayenne (optional)

salt to taste

1cup green or brown lentils

2cups water

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 tart red apples, diced (Braeburn or Cameos work well)

juice of one lemon

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat; add garlic and cook until soft, but not brown (2-3 minutes).

Stir in spices and lentils and mix together well. Cook until fragrant (2 minutes).

Add water and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are soft and the water is absorbed (25–35 minutes).

In a large bowl, combine lentils, red onion slices, apples, and lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature (for the latter, let the lentil-onion mixture cool for 30 minutes before adding the apples and lemon juice).